Potential Contamination North Norfolk and Suffolk

Following reports of dogs eating fish or crustaceans on beaches in North Norfolk and Felixstowe in Suffolk, which has caused sickness and death in two cases, Eastern IFCA officers have been liaising with colleagues in Cefas and the relevant local authorities.

It is understood that there is evidence to indicate that this was caused by paralytic shellfish poisoning (PSP), which is produced naturally at certain times of the year by some species of plankton. At this stage the source of the toxins is not known as it would be unusual to find toxin producing plankton in UK waters during the winter.

The potential impact on local fisheries is not yet known and officers are supporting Cefas colleagues by collecting further samples for analysis from around the coast. Officers will communicate with fishing industry members when further information is available.